For Disclaimer see Chapter One.
Chapter Five:
The Dinner
5:00 p.m.
It was two hours before the dance, and Jarod Charles was nervous. He was dressed, the reservations for dinner were set, and he couldn't stop himself from pacing around the living room. He, Kyle, Skyler, Angelo, Broots, Emily, and Steve were all at Miss Parker's house. Mr. Parker was already at the school, making sure the gym was set up and ready. Jarod's parents and Miss Parker's mother were all in the kitchen, giving their kids and their friends some space.
Jarod, Emily, Steve, and Angelo all wore sashes that said Homecoming Court. Sighing, Jarod pulled out a Pez dispenser out of his tux pocket and ate a piece. Angelo, who had been watching his friend pacing, spoke up.
"You need to calm down." He told Jarod.
The other teen sighed. "I know, I know. I just hope everything will go smoothly."
"It will, just sit down, shut up, and quit eating the Pez. You need room for dinner."
Jarod stuck the Pez back in his pocket and sat down between Broots and Angelo. Emily sat in a chair across from the boys, then for no apparent reason began laughing.
"What's so funny?" asked Angelo.
"Nothing." Emily said, instantly stopping, her amusement sparkling in her eyes.
Suddenly Jarod heard someone clear their throat. He craned his head around and stared in awe at what it saw. Miss Parker stood in the doorway of the room, wearing a glittery black gown type dress that went down to the floor, her sash not taking away from the dress. Her hair was down; the ends were curled. Her make up gave her pretty face a more mature and dramatic.
She smiled at him and Jarod felt his heart do flip-flops. Everyone turned and looked at her. Her boyfriend got to his feet and went over to her, taking her hands.
"You look amazing." He told her, kissing her on the cheek.
"Thank you." She answered, her eyes sparkling.
The parents came into the room and looked at their kids. Each of them was feeling proud. Pictures were taken and corsages were pinned. Then Jarod led Parker to a second limo that was waiting outside. She gave him a look and he just smiled.
As they got into their limo, Angelo, Broots, Emily, Kyle, Skyler, and Steve all got into their limo. Inside Miss Parker and Jarod's limo, the girl had tons of questions and wasn't getting any answers.
"Come on, Jar." She pleaded, yes pleaded, "Tell me…" she then pouted, hoping that would change his mind.
"You'll see in a minute." He told her.
"Grrrr." Was he answer.
The limo stopped in front of Neptune's, an expensive Greek restaurant. The couple got out of the limo, after it pulled to a stop, then made their way to the door as it pulled away. Once inside, they were taken to their table, a two seater by a large window, that gave a view to the outdoor patio. They were given their menus and a glass of water. As they looked at the menu, Miss Parker started the conversation.
"I thought this place was going to be all booked." She said.
"I made reservations a long time ahead." Answered Jarod, "I knew it was your favorite restaurant and I made reservations."
From under the table, Michaelina entangled her legs with his and smiled at him. Jarod returned the smile and the waiter came back. The pair made their order and continued to talk about the rest of the night. When their food came, they ate and decided to skip dessert. Jarod paid for their meals and they left the restaurant.
Outside, the limo had just pulled up and the girl looked at her boyfriend. He grinned and opened the door for her. She shook her head and got in. Jarod got in after her and shut the door. The limo pulled away from the restaurant.
Jarod reached into his pocket and slowly pulled out a long jewelry box. Michaelina looked from the box, to Jarod, then back at the box.
"What's that?" she asked.
"A gift." He answered, handing the box to her, "Open it."
The girl opened it and her mouth dropped open when she saw a diamond choker necklace. She looked up at him.
"Jarod…" she whispered.
He placed a finger on her lips. "Don't say anything, just let me put it on you."
She removed the necklace from the box and handed it to him. He put on the necklace and clasped it around her neck. Michaelina brought her hand up to her necklace.
"You didn't have to." She said.
"I know. I wanted to."
She moved and faced him, giving him a long kiss on the lips. They broke apart a minute later. They smiled as the limo pulled up to the school.
"This is it." Jarod said.